Ravens TE Mark Andrews suplexes Commanders defensive back at joint practice

A rivalry between the Baltimore Ravens and Washington Commanders doesn’t really exist … but one might surface following the joint practices between the two teams. Things escalated multiple times during Tuesday’s practice, which included one instance in which Ravens tight end Mark Andrews body-slammed Commanders cornerback Danny Johnson.

In a video shared by NBC 4, the scuffle started after a pass play. As Andrews fell to the ground, he appeared to fumble the ball and it was picked up by Johnson. The Baltimore tight end then picked up the defensive back and slammed him into the ground.

Some of Johnson’s teammates took exception to the play. A few words were exchanged and a shoving match between the two sides broke out:

REALLY HEATING UP!#Ravens tight end Mark Andrews body slams #Commanders CB Danny Johnson

Shoves and scuffles ensue#HTTC @nbcwashington @JPFinlayNBCS pic.twitter.com/RopNJUbvKz

— NBC4 Sports (@NBC4Sports) August 15, 2023

Eventually, the two sides separated. But that was just one of a few kerfuffles we witnessed between the Ravens and Commanders on Tuesday.

Washington cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and Baltimore receiver Tylan Wallace also started a fight during the joint practice. Forbes appeared to hit Wallace below the belt and Wallace took exception.

Both players traded blows to the helmet before teammates rushed to the fight. That scuffle unfolded prior to the Andrews-Johnson exchange — so there might’ve already been some tempers flaring by that time.

Emmanuel Forbes and Tylan Wallace fight pic.twitter.com/KSyWJJ2ZUB

— 𝒮𝓌𝑒𝑒𝓅 (@JahanOPOY) August 15, 2023

These types of fights aren’t uncommon during NFL training camp — especially during the joint sessions. Players get excited to line up against someone other than teammates during these organized practices.

It just got extra chippy when the Commanders and Ravens got after it on Tuesday. And maybe that’s a good sign for both teams.

Recently, Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised running back Devin Singletary and linebacker Christian Harris for getting involved in some extracurriculars during practice. It’s the kind of fire the NFL coach wants to see on the field.

“To see scuffling in training camp, I would say: ‘Finally,’” Ryans said. “That’s what training camp is about. Sometimes you get tired of hitting the same guy over and over again, right? It’s linebackers, running backs, they’re going to thud up a lot in practice. And of course, we want to be safe, we want to make sure we keep guys up, but also, it’s going to get a little edgy, it’s going to get a little chippy, that’s how I want to play.

“I want to play with an edge. I want to play with a chip on our shoulder, but we still have to play within the rules. So, it’s a part of camp. It’s not the worst thing to happen because it just shows that guys truly care about what they’re doing. It’s just two really good competitors going at each other, which I don’t have problem with.”

Maybe Ron Rivera and John Harbaugh will have the same thoughts after Tuesday’s joint practice.